Entrepreneurs hammered by the recession and predatory lending practices are thrilled to have the consumer bureau in their corner. Scientific opinion polling that Small Business Majority released last month found that 84 percent of owners support the consumer bureau and say it’s needed to ensure that they’re treated fairly. And 60 percent support maintaining the bureau’s independent financing so that lobbyists can’t undermine its mission.

The financial industry wrote its own rules for too long. Honesty and transparency are not too much to ask from institutions that helped run the economy into the ground. Lawmakers — many of whom talk a lot about protecting small businesses — should be first in line asking for more accountability.

JOHN ARENSMEYER Founder and Chief Executive Small Business Majority Washington, Feb. 12, 2013